International Veterinary Education Symposium 2024

University College Dublin (UCD) is a research intensive university in Dublin, Ireland. With over 1,480 faculty and 32,000 students, it is Ireland’s largest university. The international standing of UCD has grown in recent years; it is currently ranked within the top 1% of institutions world-wide. UCD is also Ireland’s most globally engaged university with students drawn from over 120 countries, and includes 5,500 students based at locations outside of Ireland. The university’s main Dublin campus occupies an extensive parkland estate of more than 130 hectares and offers world-leading facilities including the UCD O’Brien Centre for Science, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, UCD Veterinary Hospital and O’Reilly Hall.

UCD is well served by public transport. Bus stops are located at the rear of the Sports Centre and the main terminus next to the Sutherland Building. Stops are also located just outside campus gates at Roebuck Road, Clonskeagh Road, Fosters Avenue and the N11 (main entrance). Use the (opens in a new window)TFI Journey Planner and (opens in a new window)Real Time Information to get the best possible routes.

There will be campus accommodation available for the duration of the conference. Staying at UCD you will enjoy the fantastic experience of residing in a diverse and stimulating community with the most amazing facilities on your doorstep. From teaching and conference buildings to social and sporting amenities, to woodland walks and running track, UCD provides for all your requirements, without the need to commute!

(opens in a new window)Click here to download a map of the campus. 

Passports
Currently UK citizens do not require a passport or visa to enter Ireland, but all carriers by air or sea require some form of identification with photograph (usually either a passport or drivers licence with photograph). Visitors are advised to check what form of ID is required with the individual airline, tour operator or travel agent before travelling. Visitors from all other countries, including European Union countries, must present their passport to enter Ireland.

Visas
Visitors from many countries also require a visa to enter Ireland. It is essential to check with your travel operator whether your originating country requires a visa. Please discuss this with your travel operator and review the (opens in a new window)Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland website for full information.

Please note that a Schengen visa or UK visa is not valid for travel to Ireland.

If you require a visa you may request a letter of booking confirmation from the conference registration desk once payment is completed in full for registration. No letter will be issued prior to full registration being completed. It is advisable that you book and pay for accommodation for the duration of your stay at the same time as your registration as confirmation of your accommodation should also be included with your visa application. 

Note that visa applications can take a minimum of 8+ weeks for Ireland – please ensure that you apply in time to attend the conference.

You can apply for a visa using the online (opens in a new window)AVATS process.
Before beginning the online process you should have the following information to hand:
Passport and details of any previous passports – number, date of issue/expiry
2. Details of any previous Irish visa applications
3. Contact details for your host in Ireland
4. Itinerary

Following submission of your online visa application using AVATS, please note that you will also be required to submit a signed summary of your application form, original passport, passport-sized colour photograph, the relevant fee and all supporting documents, to the relevant Irish Embassy/Consulate/Visa Office per your application procedures. Further information is available (opens in a new window)here.

Accommodation can be reserved as part of the online registration process. 

UCD Campus Accommodation

Staying in the campus accommodation at UCD you will enjoy the fantastic experience of residing in a diverse and stimulating community with the most amazing facilities on your doorstep. From teaching and conference buildings to social and sporting amenities, UCD provides for all your requirements, without the need to commute!

The rooms are compact and functional and located on the university campus where the conference will take place. They are perfect for those looking for bedrooms at affordable prices. All rooms are single bed, with en-suite bathroom with shower. There are 5 rooms to an apartment, these rooms share a communal living space with a small kitchen area with a fridge and microwave, suitable for preparing light refreshments. Please be advised there is no cutlery or crockery provided in these apartments, so they are not suitable as a self-catering option. The bedrooms are comfortably furnished including a workstation and generous storage. The rooms are fully equipped and are supplied with standard pillow, single duvet, linens, and towels. Apartments are located within easy access to all campus restaurants, coffee shops, bookshop convenience store, libraries, health centre, travel centre, bank, and post office.

Distance to O’Reilly Hall: 850m / 9 minutes’ walk.

Single Room en-suite B&B (shared apartment): €130

Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel

The luxury Radisson Blu St. Helen‘s Hotel is an 17th century Georgian Manor House situated in 4-acres of formal gardens. Relax after a busy day and enjoy a magnificent diversity of surroundings which combine warm welcoming fireplaces, soft armchairs, the romantic ambiance of a lofty minstrels’ gallery & the elegant old-world charm of the library together with so many modern luxurious facilities. Everywhere at St. Helen’s you will be pampered with superior comforts, and you’ll enjoy a friendly professional service which is second to none.

There are 151 air-conditioned bedrooms. With a standard room, you will have everything you need for a comfortable stay and a good night’s sleep. Enjoy the large bed, the in-room coffee and tea making provisions, and the free Wi-Fi. Other services include a magnifying mirror and a hairdryer. All the bedrooms enjoy a 24-hour superior room service which is described as one of the very best in Ireland.

Indulge in award-winning Italian cuisine at Talavera, our on-site Italian restaurant.

There is also a complete fitness suite which is accessible 24 hours a day.

Distance to UCD: 1.9km / 25 minutes’ walk

Single Room B&B: €229
Double Twin Room B&B: €249

Maldron Merrion Road Hotel

The Maldron Hotel Merrion Road is a 4-star hotel that offers easy access to both the city and the coast with panoramic views across Dublin Bay.

One of the city’s newest hotels is seven storeys high and home to 140 spacious rooms a number of which boast sea views. The property is well positioned for those visiting both UCD and Dublin with restaurants and shops just a short bus ride away.

The hotel’s signature Maldron Vitality Breakfast will be provided, and you can get light bites and tasty treats to accompany your barista coffee that are available throughout the day. Relax and unwind with a delicious dinner in Grain & Grill Restaurant and Bar located right inside the hotel. 

Distance to UCD: 3.1km / 30 minutes’ walk.

Rates 3rd & 4th July 2024
Single Room B&B: €189
Double Twin Room B&B: €204

Rates 5th July 2024
Single Room B&B: €255
Double Twin Room B&B: €270

Live programme available (opens in a new window)[here]

PDF Version (opens in a new window)[here]

Speakers

Professor Michael Doherty

"The Formation of a Veterinary Folklorist"

Professor Michael Doherty is a former Dean and Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning in the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine. A farm animal clinician with a specialist interest in ruminant health, Michael has had a long-held interest in folk belief as it pertains to animal health and husbandry, as well as a fascination for the rich variety of Irish (Gaelic) language, Middle English and Scots words relating to diseases of cattle and sheep in Ireland.

Currently registered for a MLitt research degree in the UCD School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore, Michael will present on the folklore research he has been undertaking in Ireland, through an ethno-veterinary medicine lens.

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Dr Karen Weekes

"Being Your Effective Self: Lessons from an Ocean row"

This presentation will not only provide the audience with an insight into living alone for 80-days, while rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, listeners will learn about effective mental and practical coping techniques that can be used in our everyday personal and working lives. Transferable techniques for productivity and beneficial planning will also be shared on the day.

Dr Karen Weekes specialises in effective, transferable coping tools for managing challenges faced in business, sport and life. Her PhD focused on effective coping strategies and motivations of elite endurance athletes. Karen combines this solid base of knowledge with her own experiences from numerous ultra-endurance expeditions, which includes rowing 3,000 miles solo and unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean.

Website: (opens in a new window)https://www.karenweekes.com/

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Professor Barbara Dooley

"Understanding and Supporting Student Mental Health"

Higher education is a critical period marked by various stressors and transitions, often coinciding with the peak development of common mental health issues. This presentation will examine the risk and protective factors associated with depression and anxiety among students, informed by findings from the My World Survey studies. It will explore the distinct mental health needs of diverse student groups and highlight the importance of a comprehensive institutional approach to support student well-being. By adopting such an approach, institutions can ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential and lead productive lives.

Professor Barbara Dooley is UCD’s Dean of Graduate Studies & Deputy Registrar. Professor Dooley is an active researcher and research supervisor in youth mental health with a particular focus on student mental health. She was the Principal Investigator for My World Survey 1 (2012) and My World Survey 2 (2019). The My World Survey studies are a collaboration between the UCD School of Psychology and Jigsaw (the National Centre for Youth Mental Health), researching risk and protective factors in young people aged 12-25 years old. The combined sample for My World Survey 1 and My World Survey 2 exceeds 34,000.

She co-founded the UCD Youth Mental Health Lab with colleagues in the UCD School of Psychology. She is a member of the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention Evaluation Advisory Group, President of the International Association for Youth Mental Health, member of the Health Research Board (HRB) National Drugs Strategy Research Subcommittee, member of the HRB National Mental Health Research Strategy Expert Group. 

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Panel Members

Adrian Nelson-Pratt BVSc DipCoaching MRCVS

An accredited performance and business coach, Adrian is a Director of Vets Stay, Go Diversify, an entrepreneur and vet.
Alongside his fellow Directors, Adrian delivers on VSGD core values – supporting veterinary professional in finding their career satisfaction through their #vetpassport.

He brings 27 years of experience as a business executive, leader and people manager and working at senior level, he loves helping to develop leadership, strategy and operational delivery of plans. He's focused helping people fulfil their potential and takes great pleasure in seeing how people become unstuck, discover their vision and ignite their passion.

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Dr Karen Weekes

Dr Karen Weekes specialises in effective, transferable coping tools for managing challenges faced in business, sport and life. Her PhD focused on effective coping strategies and motivations of elite endurance athletes. Karen combines this solid base of knowledge with her own experiences from numerous ultra-endurance expeditions, which includes rowing 3,000 miles solo and unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean.

Website: (opens in a new window)https://www.karenweekes.com/

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Professor Barbara Dooley

Professor Barbara Dooley is UCD’s Dean of Graduate Studies & Deputy Registrar. Professor Dooley is an active researcher and research supervisor in youth mental health with a particular focus on student mental health. She was the Principal Investigator for My World Survey 1 (2012) and My World Survey 2 (2019). The My World Survey studies are a collaboration between the UCD School of Psychology and Jigsaw (the National Centre for Youth Mental Health), researching risk and protective factors in young people aged 12-25 years old. The combined sample for My World Survey 1 and My World Survey 2 exceeds 34,000.

She co-founded the UCD Youth Mental Health Lab with colleagues in the UCD School of Psychology. She is a member of the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention Evaluation Advisory Group, President of the International Association for Youth Mental Health, member of the Health Research Board (HRB) National Drugs Strategy Research Subcommittee, member of the HRB National Mental Health Research Strategy Expert Group. 

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Liam Moriarty MVB

VetEd2024 are delighted to offer 5 pre-symposium workshops that will take place on Wednesday the 3rd of July, 2024. All workshops will take place in the UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre. Delegates will have the opportunity of attending two 90 minute workshops. A tea and coffee break will be provided in between sessions. 

Delegates who register for the pre-symposium day will be emailed a separate link on Tuesday June the 4th to select their workshops of choice. Please note however that places are limited to the capacity of the workshop room and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. 

Schedule 

* Main conference delegates who are attending the VetEd 2024 Welcome Reception may also visit the registration desk on the 3rd of July. Registration is required for the welcome reception. 

Map

(opens in a new window)Click here to find the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine. 

Workshop Details

Workshop 1 Session 1: Best practice in Workplace Based Assessment (WBA)** [Click for details]

Workshop 1 Session 2: Feedback in clinical settings** [Click for details]

**Workshop 1 is a combined offering. Delegates will register and attend both sessions. 

Presenters: 

• Professor Katharine Boursicot, Director of Health Professional Assessment Consultancy. 
• Professor Sandra Kemp is Deputy Dean, Innovation and Scholarship, Medical Education at the Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Australia.
  
  

Workshop 2: “Learning to Learn”- How Metacognition Promotes Empowered Veterinary & Nursing Students [Click for details]

Presenters:

• Associate Professor Emma O’Neill, UCD 
• Assistant Professor Kate Acton, UCD

Attendees will be invited to participate in a survey at the end of the workshop. This research study on metacognition is being conducted by the presenters. Participation in this research is optional.

Workshop 3: Encouraging Self-care and Wellbeing: A Pilot Educational Module for First-year Veterinary Medicine Students in UCD [Click for details]

Presenters: 

• Dr Niamh Nestor, UCD
• Assistant Professor Pamela Kelly, UCD 

Workshop 4: Designing and Delivering Open-book Invigilated Examinations: Sharing Experiences [Click for details]

Presenters: 

• Professor Joseph Cassidy, UCD
• Professor Bryan Markey, UCD
• Assistant Professor Diane Cashman, UCD 

Workshop 5: Advancing Veterinary Education: Navigating Interprofessional Education (IPE) Initiatives [Click for details]

Presenters: 

• Assistant Professor Renagh Kelly, UCD
• Mr Mark McCorry, UCD 
• Senior Lecturer Gemma Irwin-Porter, University of Bristol, UK [(opens in a new window)link]
• Professor Sarah Baillie, University of Bristol, UK

VetEd Welcome Reception

Date: Wednesday, 3rd July 2024
Location: O'Reilly Hall, UCD
Time: 18:00 – 19:00
Ticket price: included in the full conference registration fee. Drinks and canapés will be served.

The Welcome Reception is kindly supported by Zoetis

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Conference Dinner and Traditional Irish Night - Taylors Three Rock

Date: Thursday, 4th July 2024
Location: Taylors Three Rock
Time: 19:00 - 23:00
Ticket Price per person: €90 
Dress Code: Casual
Includes: return bus transfers from/to UCD, a three-course dinner, drinks, traditional Irish dancers, and musicians.

Please note this event is for over 18's only.

What can be more Irish than an evening spent in a cosy traditional Irish pub! 

Don’t miss the Vet Ed 2024 conference party which will be held at Taylors Three Rock. Nestled at the foot of the Dublin Mountains, Taylors Three Rock is a fantastic venue to catch up with old friends and meet new ones! With its thatched roof and flagstone floors, Taylors is every visitor’s vision of a quintessentially Irish pub. 

Dinner is served using the very best of locally sourced ingredients and this is followed by a night of traditional Irish Music and Dancing. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes as our Ceili callers will be instructing you on the basics of Irish dancing encouraging everyone to join in the fun. 

Guaranteed to deliver a fun night out, full of ‘craic agus ceol’ (fun and music), Taylors offers an unforgettable Irish experience and is sure to deliver an evening to remember.

Platinum Sponsors

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risr/ are world leaders in delivering OSCE, Oral, Knowledge and WBA assessments

At risr/ (formerly Fry-IT), they offer assessment and lifelong learning through one integrated platform, giving their customers the control and clarity they need to drive better learning.

You can find them in Canada, the UK, and Australia, and they are proud to work with distinguished partners including Bristol Veterinary School, the University of Melbourne Veterinary School, Nottingham Veterinary School, and Scotland’s Rural College.

At the heart of the risr/ platform are their robust modules, including:

• risr/assess, which provides everything you need to manage and deliver exams and assessments
• risr/advance, your must-have tool to gather evidence of your users’ training & CPD progress

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Silver Sponsors

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At MSD AH, they believe fostering the next generation of veterinary experts is critical for our industry. For our business to be sustainable, it is essential that we have access to the best-trained scientific and veterinary minds around the globe. That’s why they provide support for programs that expand educational opportunities in veterinary and animal sciences. They intend to ensure that animals continue to be provided with high-quality medical care, and that the research needs of the industry benefit animal health, well-being and performance.

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Connect with colleagues around the world. Get information you need, when you need it. VIN Europe is the premier online community, continuing education, and information resource for veterinarians. Let us show you why VIN is the BEST online resource for veterinarians.

Find out more at (opens in a new window)www.vin.com

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Vetstream provides Vetlexicon, the world’s largest online veterinary resource. Supporting the global veterinary community with instant access to over 28,000 pieces of content from the knowledge and experience of 1,200+ leading veterinarians, through their species services: Canis, Felis, Lapis, Exotis, Equis and Bovis. Designed for all veterinary professionals and students, Vetlexicon is a reliable tool that will support you throughout your career. Whether you need a reference point for a specific diagnosis to help boost your confidence, or a sequence of images to refresh your knowledge of a surgical procedure, you’ll be able to find it on Vetlexicon. 

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Cirdan is a leading provider of pathology informatics and imaging solutions that support and speed up patient diagnosis.  Headquartered in the UK, with offices in Canada and Australia, Cirdan is recognised as one of the leading suppliers of laboratory information systems (LIS) worldwide. Their products include ULTRA, a LIS that supports and streamlines the operations of a clinical laboratory, and the CoreLite and Solas x-ray systems which expedite breast cancer diagnosis. They also offer Tutor, a digital pathology education platform, and software solutions that support artificial intelligence and machine learning in digital pathology technologies.

Find out more at (opens in a new window)https://www.cirdan.com/

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Animal Imaging provides a complete diagnostic imaging program for universities. It is designed and directed by veterinary radiologist, Dr Jane Day. Since the exodus of radiologists from academia, the diagnostic imaging curriculum has been provided by ‘gap-filling’. This is the first program to provide a solution that is fully integrated vertically and horizontally across all components – final year rotation, practicals, lectures, tutorials and assessment. Each university has their own customisable website. Practicals are individualised for university resources and trained onsite. Assessment has been designed with a medical education consultancy; it is integrated into the program, so it leads the students through the learning objectives and ensures the desired outcome at the end of final year. It is designed to create a sustainable pathway for the future with less/no academic radiologists by utilising non-specialist staff supported by a radiology specialist and using high quality resources on the Animal Imaging website.

Website: (opens in a new window)https://animalimaging.com.au

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TestReach is a comprehensive assessment solution to create, deliver and manage high-stakes examinations online. Providing a quality candidate experience backed by best-in-class support, TestReach has a 98% exam completion rate. With live remote proctoring delivered within our application, exams can be run globally with security, stability and accessibility.

Website:  (opens in a new window)https://www.testreach.com/

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Welcome Reception Sponsor

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Exhibitors

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HPAC is a consortium of experts in health professions education who undertake consultancies in a number of areas, especially assessment and examinations at undergraduate and postgraduate level. 

Find out more at (opens in a new window)https://www.hpac-uk.org/

Funded by

Any queries relating to registration or accommodation can be fielded by (opens in a new window)vetedreg@keynotepco.ie

Any general questions related to abstract submission can be sent to (opens in a new window)tom.maher1@ucd.ie

Any technical queries related to abstract submission can be fielded by the abstract submission platform, Ex Ordo at (opens in a new window)support@exordo.ie